Mandated by Chapter Five of the Resolution on the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS), the TGoNU, through the Ministry for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, is required to draft legislation to establish a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, following national consultations.

In December 2016, the Ministry convened a Technical Committee consisting of National Stakeholders including key Civil Society to lead the national consultations, and this week the Technical Committee commenced a sensitisation process to prepare communities in South Sudan and the general public on the consultative process.

At an event in Juba this week, in association with UNDP, Hon. Martinson Mathew Oturomoi, the Deputy Minister for Justice, launched a public awareness program about the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing.

JMEC Deputy Chairperson, Ambassador General Augostino Njoroge, said, “It is very important that the TGoNU maintain these small steps towards the implementation of key ARCSS deliverables. Implementation of Chapter Five (Transitional Justice) has fallen some way behind other Chapters and we are delighted to see that preparations for national consultations on reconciliation and healing are being made. Although it may be a small step, this is a very important step especially given the need to break the cycle of impunity, ensure accountability and contribute to reconciliation and national healing.”